For the eighth consecutive year, I'm excited to share a "hype" playlist for the Herndon Climb, this one for the Class of 2027. Sorry for the delay, folks. I'm "this close" to finishing up my book - Flying High, Diving Deep: Lessons learned, memories made, and relationships forged as a two-time military academy parent - … Continue reading Class of 2027: Your Herndon Playlist is here

One of the ways many of us get through the Naval Academy parent experience is the support of other USNA parents, past and present. However, one of the best sources of support has been absent for the past few years. Thankfully, it is returning. As you may have seen on various social media platforms, Grant … Continue reading Why you should be excited about the return of Grant Vermeer and Academy Insider

I have written many times about the ridiculous volume of mail I sent to my Midshipman, especially when he was a Plebe. While I certainly don't write as much as I used to, even though my son is now a Lt.JG aboard a submarine, I am still writing letters and cards. Now, I expected to … Continue reading Because mail call never stops

The shocks to the system during the transition from high school parent to Naval Academy parent number too many to count. From being a part of many of your child's decisions to knowing most of their friends to seeing them most every day, parents learn they, too, are in for a grueling four years. The … Continue reading Messages: The long and short of it

All the anticipation for I Day erupted into the day itself and the Parade of Firsts (which will likely be followed in four years by the Parade of Lasts) began. For many, it was the first Independence Day without their Mid and that will lead to many having their first summer vacation without their Mid. … Continue reading That first mail call, preparing for impact